THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE
Photograph by Ernest G. Holt
HAITI'S BUSIEST ROAD RUNS FROM PORT-AU-PRINCE TO CAP HAITIEN
First built by the French in colonial times, largely for military use, this 185-mile stretch was
improved and modernized after the American occupation. In generations past, millions of blacks
have walked its length, which echoes now to the rumble of crowded motorbusses. In all, Haiti
enjoys about 1,200 miles of improved highways. The hut at the right is typical of the countryside.
find some way to stimulate you. I think I
can find a way."
Saying this, the king ordered his execu
tioners to select 50 of the 100 men and put
them to death. The remaining 50 took the
cannon to the top of the mountain and
placed it in position well ahead of the
scheduled time.
SOLDIERS ORDERED TO MARCH OFF CLIFF
On the cleared slopes of the hill the king
ordered to be planted yams, bananas, plan-
tains, and other food-producing plants in
large quantities, enough to feed the men of
his garrison. All of the roofs of the build
ing and its appendages were made water
tight and fed a system of cisterns. Pro
viding the usual amount of rain fell, the
garrison of the Citadel would never be
short of water.
The wall of the castle flanking the space
used as a drill ground is a continuation of a
sheer cliff. Here the vertical drop is more
than 200 feet. Legend says that Christophe,
466